American Federation of Government Employees National President J. David Cox Sr.

It was just announced that President Obama will propose a 1.6% pay raise for federal workers in 2017 as part of the White House budget proposal for the coming year.

The American Federation of Government Employees was quick to denounce the pay increase proposal, calling it part of a “regrettable record” on raises. Instead, AFGE suggested the pay raise should be 5.3%.

AFGE’s national president J. David Cox, Sr. said in a statement:

President Obama has again set the bar far too low by proposing a 1.6% pay raise for federal employees in 2017, continuing a regrettable record of denying federal employees even the most basic cost-of-living adjustments.

We believe federal employees deserve a meaningful pay raise next year to help make up for years of neglect by elected officials. AFGE is calling on lawmakers to approve a 5.3% pay raise in 2017, which reflects the 1.6% national increase employees should receive plus a partial catch-up for the national and local pay adjustments denied for the past four years.

What pay raise in 2017 do you think would be appropriate? Share your opinion in the comments below.

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